The Power of Curiosity: Why It’s the Key to Growth, Confidence & Reinvention

“Have you always been a curious person?” someone asked me recently.
Without hesitation, I said, “Yes!”

▪️Curious about people.
▪️Curious about human nature.
▪️Curious about why we do the things we do.
▪️Curious about the human journey — the physical, emotional, and spiritual paths we've taken to get from where we were to where we are now.

Because your story - and the journey that shaped it - is more powerful than you think.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been curious.

As a little girl, growing up in an entrepreneurial family, I asked lots of questions! I would follow my grandfather around in his restaurant, constantly asking questions like, "Why do you do it that way?"

I am sure my curious little mind drove him crazy. I wanted to understand the why behind everything he did.

I would sit on a 100 pound bag of flour while my grandfather cut meat... asking things like:

▪️ Why do you cut the meat and grind it that way?
▪️ Why is the restaurant schedule so precise?

▪️ Why do you wake up every morning at 4 a.m.?
▪️ Why does every task have a specific process? My grandmother was his right hand person and made sure everything was done precisely!
▪️ Why do you your accounting the way you do? I used to sit in his office and watch him do that too.

I was always just as curious about the customers too!

Who were they? What their life was like? Why did some of them like sitting at the counter and watching the chef cook, chatting away, while others sat quietly in a booth, staring out at the Columbia River. Why did they love coming to "Barneys''? I already knew the answer to this one (it was to see him, eat delicious food and get great customer service) but I liked to ask anyway and hear his answer.

The most captivating part of my grandfather's story was that he was in his 40's when he bought that tiny café on a large piece of property in a small town on the Columbia River. It eventually grew into a very successful business.

Today, although the original Barney's restaurant is gone, Barney's Junction, Washington, is a census-designated place in Ferry County, Washington.

Now, that is a legacy!

So... that deep-seated curiosity was deeply rooted, and it carried me forward. It shaped who I am as a woman, speaker, coach, and midlife entrepreneur.

In my book, Step Forward, I talk about the “3 C’s.”
Can you guess what one of them is?

You guessed it: Curiosity.

Curiosity has helped me in all that I do: discovering what's next, writing my book, coaching, leading, learning and podcasting. It has also helped the women I coach step forward into the next version of themselves.

Curiosity is more than a personality trait, and desire to learn, explore, and understand new things.
▪️It’s a mindset.
▪️A tool.

▪️A spark for reinvention, innovation, connection and personal transformation.

Let's take it one step further.
Here’s are 5 things that research says about the power of curiosity:

🔍 1. Curiosity Boosts Learning and Memory

Neuroscientists at UC Davis found that curiosity activates the brain’s reward system, releasing dopamine and increasing motivation and retention.
Takeaway: When you’re curious, your brain is primed to learn more deeply.

💬 2. Curiosity Deepens Relationships

Research in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology shows that curious people are better listeners, ask more meaningful questions, and create stronger social bonds. Think of little me on the 100 pound bag of flour.
Takeaway: Curiosity helps us connect - personally and professionally.

💡 3. Curiosity Fuels Innovation and Leadership

According to Harvard Business Review, curious leaders are more adaptable, creative, and open to new ideas. Think reinvention and entrepreneurship!
Takeaway: Curiosity drives innovation and makes us better decision-makers.

💪 4. Curiosity Builds Resilience and Reduces Fear

When we approach uncertainty with curiosity instead of fear, we grow. Studies show curious people are more emotionally resilient and open to change.
Takeaway: Curiosity transforms obstacles into opportunities.

🌱 5. Curiosity Supports Mental Well-being

Curious people report higher life satisfaction, according to researchers at the University of Pennsylvania.
Takeaway: Curiosity adds meaning, purpose, and joy to our lives.

What Are You Curious About?

Whether you’re reinventing your career, launching something new, or simply wondering what’s next…

Start with curiosity.
➤Let it lead you.
➤Let it teach you.
➤Let it connect you back to yourself—and to what matters most.

Because your curiosity isn’t random.
It’s revealing your next step forward.

If you are curious about what is next for you and discover where you are on your reinvention journey...
Click here to take the FREE Reinvention Quiz!

Keep Stepping Forward!